The India vs New Zealand Test series 2026 is set to be an important fixture in the international cricket calendar, bringing two competitive Test sides together. The series will attract attention from cricket fans, particularly following the teams’ recent encounters in the longest format.
With both teams looking to strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), the upcoming contest is expected to be closely followed. Here’s everything to know about the India vs New Zealand Test series 2026, including its schedule, venues, squads and other important details.
India vs New Zealand Test Series 2026: Full Schedule
According to the schedule released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), India will play two Test matches against the hosts in November 2026. Both matches will be played in New Zealand. Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The first Test will begin on November 19, while the second will start on November 27.
| Match | Date | Venue |
| 1st Test | November 19–23, 2026 | Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| 2nd Test | November 27–December 2, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
India Squad for the New Zealand Test Series 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s Test squad on October 16, 2026. Shubman Gill will captain the side, with KL Rahul appointed as vice-captain. The 16-member squad includes a combination of experienced international players and younger talents.
India Test Squad:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)*
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
Rishabh Pant’s selection is subject to fitness clearance.
The squad features a strong bowling combination, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna providing pace options. Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav add spin depth to the side.
New Zealand Squad for the India Test Series 2026
New Zealand Cricket announced its 14-member Test squad on November 11, 2026, with Tom Latham named captain. The squad includes several experienced players, including Kane Williamson’s former teammates and established performers such as Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner.
New Zealand Test Squad:
- Tom Latham (Captain)
- Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper)
- Devon Conway
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Henry Nicholls
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Nathan Smith
- Blair Tickner
- Will Young
However, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are managing injuries and are working towards being available for the first Test. Blundell has a quadriceps injury, Conway is recovering from a concussion, and Ravindra is dealing with a shoulder injury.
New Zealand’s squad also features Jacob Duffy, who has been added to the side, while Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke are unavailable due to injury or rehabilitation programmes.
India vs New Zealand: What Makes the Test Series Important?
The upcoming series will mark India’s first Test tour of New Zealand since 2019. It also comes after New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series victory in India in 2024, when the visitors became the first team to whitewash India in a three-match home Test series. The result made the upcoming contest particularly significant for India, who will be looking to produce a stronger performance in New Zealand.
For the hosts, the series presents another opportunity to build on their recent success in Test cricket. New Zealand also enjoyed a successful three-Test tour of England earlier in 2026, securing a historic away series victory.
With valuable ICC World Test Championship points at stake, both teams will have plenty to play for. New Zealand will look to use home conditions to its advantage, while India will aim to challenge the hosts with its experienced batting and varied bowling attack.
Key Players to Watch
Several players could play a decisive role in the two-match series.
- Shubman Gill: India’s captain will be central to the team’s batting plans and leadership.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His pace, accuracy and ability to generate movement could make him a key player in New Zealand conditions.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The left-handed opener will be important in giving India strong starts.
- Tom Latham: New Zealand’s captain will be expected to lead from the front with the bat.
- Daryl Mitchell: His experience and ability to perform in challenging batting conditions make him an important player for the hosts.
- Matt Henry: The experienced fast bowler will be one of New Zealand’s key options with the new ball.
The India vs New Zealand Test series 2026 will begin on November 19 at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington. The first Test is scheduled to start at 3:30 AM IST.
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Frequently Asked Questions
India and New Zealand are scheduled to play a two-match Test series in November 2026. The first Test will take place in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
Shubman Gill will captain the Indian Test team, while KL Rahul has been appointed vice-captain for the two-match series.
Yes. Both Test matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, with both teams competing for crucial championship points.
